Drone Spotted Near JFK Prompts Investigation

Federal officials are trying to determine who might have flown a remote-control plane or drone near incoming aircraft at John F. Kennedy International Airport.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation asked for help in locating a remote-controlled aircraft spotted by the pilot of an incoming Alitalia flight on Monday afternoon. The pilot reported seeing the drone about four to five miles from the airport.

In a statement, the Federal Aviation Administration said it was also investigating the incident but had little information beyond the pilot’s initial report. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which operates JFK, confirmed the report but didn’t provide more information.

The Alitalia plane was flying at an altitude of about 1,500 feet when the pilot spotted the remote-controlled plane, according to the FAA. The drone came within 200 feet of the plane, the FAA and FBI statements said, although the proximity wasn’t close enough to force the pilot to change course.

“The FBI is asking anyone with information about the unmanned aircraft or the operator to contact us,” FBI Special Agent in Charge John Giacalone said in a statement. “Our paramount concern is the safety of aircraft passengers and crew.”